Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki set his sights high before the 2024-25 NHL season began. His goal? To make the playoffs and finally play in front of a full house at the Bell Centre. After three years without postseason hockey in Montreal, it looks like Suzuki might just get his wish — and he’s doing everything in his power to make it happen.
Suzuki’s Vision for the Season
Back in September, Suzuki made it clear that reaching the playoffs was a top priority. Though he’s had playoff experience before, those moments came during unusual circumstances. In 2020, there were no fans due to COVID-19 restrictions. In 2021, only 3,500 fans were allowed in the Bell Centre during the final two rounds. For a passionate market like Montreal, that just wasn’t the same. Suzuki has dreamed of feeling the full roar of a packed crowd behind him — and that dream is now within reach.
Canadiens Hold Wild-Card Spot
The Canadiens currently sit in the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. That’s a big step forward after three straight seasons without playoff hockey. Their recent overtime win over the Florida Panthers shows the kind of heart and fight this team has. In that game, Suzuki scored with just nine seconds left to tie it, then followed up with the game-winning goal only 29 seconds into overtime. The Bell Centre erupted, and Suzuki soaked in the energy.
The Power of the Home Crowd
Playing in Montreal isn’t like playing anywhere else. The fans are loud, loyal, and deeply passionate. Suzuki said it best after the Florida game: “The crowd really kept us going there, especially in the third.” The energy from the stands pushed the players to keep fighting, and it paid off in the most exciting way possible. It’s clear that Suzuki and his teammates feed off the crowd — and the fans are loving it just as much.
Suzuki’s Career-Best Season
Nick Suzuki is having the best season of his NHL career. In 74 games, he’s already scored 25 goals and set a new career high with 79 points, surpassing his previous best of 77. Since March 11 alone, he’s collected 14 points in just 11 games. Coach Martin St-Louis praised his awareness and skill, especially during the key moments in that thrilling comeback win against Florida. Suzuki’s performance is a big reason the Canadiens are in playoff contention.
Confidence Growing in Montreal
Interestingly, the Canadiens have defeated the Florida Panthers — the defending Stanley Cup champions — in all four of their matchups this season. While it’s unlikely they’ll face Florida in the first round, those wins boost confidence heading into the playoffs. The team is showing they can stand up to elite opponents, and that belief is growing in the locker room and in the stands.
Youth Rising Under Pressure
Players like Suzuki and defenseman Kaiden Guhle are stepping up in pressure-packed moments. Guhle spoke after the Florida win, saying, “It’s do-or-die for us right now. The pressure is on us, and you want that pressure.” These are the signs of a young team learning how to win, thriving under the weight of expectations, and building a strong foundation for the future.
The Montreal Canadiens are finally close to returning to the playoffs, and Nick Suzuki is leading the way with heart, skill, and determination. After years of missing out, this team looks ready to compete, and Suzuki’s dream of hearing a full Bell Centre during playoff hockey could soon come true.
With confidence high, the fans behind them, and the young core playing inspired hockey, the Canadiens are showing they belong. Whether they make a deep run or not, this season marks a turning point — one filled with hope, pride, and the return of real excitement to Montreal hockey.
